Why I Don’t Take Every Listing (And Why That’s a Very Good Thing)
By Wyatt Poindexter
In real estate, there’s a common myth that a “good Realtor” will take every listing they can get their hands on. I’m here to tell you—that’s completely false. In fact, I’ve learned the hard (and sometimes hilarious) way that saying “no” can be one of the smartest decisions I make. Every listing has a story. Some are fairy tales. Others? Horror movies with a low budget and bad lighting.
Let me explain.
The One with the Gun (No, Really)
Last year, I got a call from a woman wanting to list her house in northwest Oklahoma City. As soon as she gave me the address, I knew the house. Big place, close to where I grew up. My niece Olivia, who was working in marketing for The Agency at the time, came with me.
When we pulled up, the seller came out... wearing a .45 boldly strapped to her side.
Olivia looked at me with wide eyes. I looked at the woman and quickly introduced myself, making sure she knew I was not a threat. Instead of shaking my hand, she brought her hands together in a praying position and bowed to me.
Red Flag #1.
I asked, as casually as one can in this scenario, “Everything okay? What's with the gun?”
Her response? “It’s for protection… especially from my ex-husband.”
Red Flag #2.
We entered the house and were hit with a wave of... what I can only describe as the dungeon of doom. The place was in major disrepair and the smell? Let’s just say Febreze would have surrendered and gone home.
As we walked through, I started getting this weird, heavy, ominous feeling. Now, I’m not one who buys into "vibes" (or karma!)—but if there was ever a house that made me believe in something, it was this one. Cold, dark, dungeon-like. I kept thinking, “This house has seen some things. Bad things.”
Needless to say, I couldn’t wait to get out.
Later, out of curiosity (and maybe a sense of self-preservation), I did some digging on the home. Oh, I found something. Lots of things. Turns out the house had been used in a lot of photo AND video shoots. Very... revealing photo shoots. Let’s just say it looked like most of the participants didn’t believe in clothing. My eyes were burning. Olivia and I are still recovering.
I called the seller back and politely declined the listing. Probably one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
The Control Freak Queen
Another time, I arrived at a home and was greeted with a firm, “Take off your shoes. Don’t touch anything.”
Alrighty then.
I stepped inside and immediately got scolded:
“Don’t ask questions!”
“I will be at EVERY showing!”
“I have rules!”
She gave me a five-minute monologue about how I would be expected to follow her every command as her Realtor.
At minute six, I looked at her and said, “Ma’am, I don’t think we’re a good fit.”
Her eyes bulged. “WHAT?! You have to list my house! You’re here! That’s how it works!”
“Actually,” I said with a smile, “I get to choose who I work with, just like you do.”
She screamed that she was calling my broker to report my unprofessionalism.
I handed her my broker’s number. She called. And yes, my broker kindly and professionally put her in her place.
Why I Say No (And You Should Be Glad I Do)
Taking every listing may sound like a hustle badge, but the truth is: not every listing is worth the stress, time, or reputation risk. A bad listing with an unrealistic seller or an impossible client can drain your energy, your calendar, and your sanity. And worse—it can prevent you from giving your best to the clients who truly value your expertise.
I say “no” because I value honesty, professionalism, and results. I won’t waste a seller’s time (or mine) by overpromising on an overpriced, unmarketable, or haunted mansion with a gun-toting host and a history of questionable photoshoots.
So no, I don’t take every listing—and that’s exactly why the ones I do take get results.
Moral of the story? Just like you don’t marry everyone you date… you don’t list every home that calls you. Especially if it smells like death and regret.
If you’re serious about selling and want honest advice, proven strategy, and a little humor along the way—I’m your guy.
But if you answer the door with a weapon and a demand list?
I’ll gladly refer you… to my worst enemy.
Wyatt Poindexter - The Agency Oklahoma - 405-417-5466
